US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday to meet Caribbean leaders concerned about US policies. The visit comes after a series of aggressive moves by the Trump administration in the region. Last month, the US launched a military operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The administration has also stepped up efforts to fight alleged drug smuggling and increased pressure on Cuba. Rubio is attending a summit of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which includes 15 nations. During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Trump called Maduro’s capture “an absolutely colossal victory for US security” and said it “opens a bright new beginning for the people of Venezuela.” CARICOM leaders are gathering to discuss key issues in the Caribbean. The region has seen increased US influence under what Trump describes as a 21st-century Monroe Doctrine, aiming to maintain US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Trump stated his administration is “restoring American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere, acting to protect national interests, and defending the country from violence, drugs, terrorism, and foreign interference.” Caribbean leaders have expressed concerns about US demands, including accepting deportees from the US, rejecting Cuban medical missions, and limiting relations with China. Godwin Friday, the new prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, said the Caribbean faces challenges “from inside and out,” noting that “international rules and practices we relied on have changed in troubling ways.” Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and CARICOM chair, said the region “stands at a decisive hour.” He warned of shifting global dynamics, uncertain supply chains, fluctuating energy markets, and climate-related shocks. Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica highlighted humanitarian concerns in Cuba. “A prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba,” he said. “It will affect migration, security, and economic stability across the Caribbean.” Holness also emphasized Jamaica’s support for democracy and “constructive dialogue between Cuba and the US for de-escalation, reform, and stability.” Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell said the summit will likely include discussions on the US-Caribbean relationship. “It is about mutual respect and a rules-based order,” he noted. He added that private discussions with Rubio are also expected. The State Department has not confirmed specific meetings, but Rubio plans to discuss regional security, stability, trade, and economic growth in both group and bilateral sessions. Other topics may include reparations, climate change, financing, and advancing a single market economy. Rubio’s visit follows the US capture of Maduro and subsequent drug-related strikes in the Caribbean. At least 151 people have been killed in targeted strikes against small boats since early September, although the US has not presented evidence that these vessels were smuggling drugs. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised the US operations, thanking Trump, Rubio, and the US military for countering narcotrafficking. “The crime is so bad, I cannot rely solely on my military and protective services,” she said. Cuba’s ongoing humanitarian crisis is expected to be a key focus at the CARICOM summit. Francisco Pichón, Cuba’s UN resident coordinator, said the US oil embargo is blocking aid from reaching areas still recovering from Hurricane Melissa in October. Fuel shortages and energy restrictions are affecting the logistics chain nationwide, he added. Caribbean leaders, while seeking cooperation with the US, continue to stress the importance of humanitarian assistance, regional stability, and maintaining rules-based international relations.